On The Beat: Virginia Tech

On the Beat

January 31, 1990|Compiled by DAVE JOHNSON

* MORE COLD SPELLS

For the third consecutive game, the Hokies went cold during a critical stretch in their 89-80 loss at Maryland Monday night. Tech led by three at halftime, but was outscored 16-5 midway through the second period as the Terps took control. Saturday against Florida State, Tech went seven minutes without a basket and a four-point lead turned into a 12-point deficit. The Hokies led Virginia by one at the break, but lost 77-59. ... Tech continues to shoot horribly from the field. After 20 games, the Hokies are stuck at 41.3 percent. They still have a way to go to become the worst-shooting team in school history - the 1953-54 squad shot 31.2 percent.

* NOTES AND STUFF

The Hokies, who play at Louisville Thursday, have given up 100 points or more in three of their last four visits to Freedom Hall. ... When Wheeler scored 21 against Maryland, he became the third freshman to pass the 20-point mark in a game this year. Burton was the first (23 against Memphis State) and Dirk Williams (21 against Tulane) the second. Tech started three freshmen Monday night for the first time since Dell Curry, Bobby Beecher and Keith Colbert started the 1982-83 season finale.